How to Spot Puffins in Iceland: A Self-Drive Adventure

Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes – but for many travellers, one of the most enchanting experiences is spotting puffins in the wild. These charismatic seabirds, with their bright beaks and playful nature, are a must-see on any Icelandic road trip. The good news? With a rental car, you can set your own schedule, travel at your own pace, and reach some of the country’s most rewarding puffin-viewing spots.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect self-drive puffin adventure in Iceland, including the best locations, the right time of year, and practical tips for making the most of your journey.

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Why Choose a Self-Drive Puffin Adventure?

Puffins are found along Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, often in remote and rugged locations. By hiring a car in Iceland – whether from Reykjavík city or directly at Keflavík International Airport – you can enjoy the freedom to explore hidden coves, towering cliffs, and fishing villages where puffins thrive.

A self-drive journey offers:

• Flexibility – linger longer at puffin colonies, or detour to nearby waterfalls and hot springs.

• Comfort – with Höldur, you’ll have reliable vehicles, local expertise, and service stations across the country.

• Adventure – from the Westfjords to the South Coast, every mile brings a new view of Iceland’s wild beauty.

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When is the Best Time to See Puffins in Iceland?

Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land only to breed. The puffin season in Iceland typically runs from late April until early September. The peak viewing period is June to August, when colonies are full of activity.

• May to early June – puffins return to shore, and birdwatching is excellent.

• June to August – peak season, with thousands of puffins nesting and feeding their chicks.

• September – the birds depart for the open Atlantic, not to return until the following spring.

Tip: Plan your car hire around these months to ensure the best chance of seeing puffins.

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Best Places to Spot Puffins in Iceland on a Self-Drive

One of the joys of self-driving in Iceland is the variety of routes available. Here are the top puffin-spotting destinations to include in your road trip:

1. Dyrhólaey (South Coast)

Located near Vík, just a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, the dramatic cliffs of Dyrhólaey are a must-visit. During the summer, these cliffs become home to thousands of puffins, offering a unique wildlife experience. With panoramic views of black sand beaches and the iconic arch rock formation, this breathtaking stop is truly unforgettable.

2. Látrabjarg Cliffs (Westfjords)

Europe’s largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg, stretches for 14 km and soars up to 440 metres above the ocean. A true highlight for puffin lovers, the cliffs are remote but accessible with a rental car. The puffins here are famously unafraid of people, making it easy to get close for photographs.

3. Ingólfshöfði (South East Iceland)

Accessible via guided tours combined with self-drive, Ingólfshöfði is a headland known for puffin colonies and its rugged beauty. Travellers often combine this stop with a drive along the South Coast’s glaciers and lagoons.

4. Tjörnes Peninsula (North Iceland)

Just north of Húsavík – Iceland’s whale watching capital – the Tjörnes Peninsula is a reliable puffin spot and an ideal addition to a northern self-drive loop.

5. Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

A short ferry trip from the South Coast, the Westman Islands host one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies. Heimaey, the main island, is an easy drive from Reykjavík to Landeyjahöfn, where you can take your rental car on the ferry.

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Tips for a Puffin-Friendly Road Trip

• Respect their space: Puffins may be approachable, but always stay on marked paths to protect both the birds and the fragile cliffs.

• Bring binoculars and a camera: Some colonies allow close encounters, while others are best viewed from a distance.

• Drive safely and plan ahead: Iceland’s roads can be narrow and weather-dependent, so make sure your car hire includes the right vehicle for your route – whether a compact city car or a 4x4 for remote Westfjords.

• Pack for all seasons: Even in summer, Iceland’s coastal weather can be unpredictable. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are essential.

• Combine adventures: Puffin hotspots are often near other attractions – waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields – making your journey even more rewarding.

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Car Hire in Iceland: Starting Your Puffin Adventure

With Höldur, you can hire a car in Reykjavík or directly at Keflavík International Airport, making it easy to start your puffin adventure as soon as you land. Whether you’re heading to the South Coast, Westfjords, or North Iceland, our fleet is designed to handle Iceland’s varied conditions.

Why choose Höldur for your puffin road trip?

• Local expertise since 1966 – trusted by travellers for generations.

• Europcar quality standards – global service with Icelandic know-how.

• Eco-conscious fleet – options for environmentally minded explorers.

• Wide network of support – service stations across Iceland for peace of mind.

Your Icelandic adventure starts with the right car – and we’ll be by your side every mile of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland?

The most popular spots include Dyrhólaey on the South Coast, Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, and the Westman Islands.

When is puffin season in Iceland?

From late April to early September, with peak viewing in June, July, and August.

Can I drive to puffin colonies in Iceland?

Yes, most puffin hotspots are accessible by car, including those on the South Coast, North Iceland, and the Westfjords. Some, like Ingólfshöfði, require guided access but can be reached via a self-drive itinerary.

How close can I get to puffins?

In some locations, such as Látrabjarg, puffins are very approachable. Always keep to marked paths and never disturb the birds or their nesting areas.

Should I hire a 4x4 to see puffins in Iceland?

It depends on your route. For Westfjords adventures, a 4x4 is recommended. For South Coast and Reykjavík-based trips, a standard vehicle may be sufficient.

Can I hire a car at Keflavík Airport for my puffin trip?

Absolutely – Höldur offers convenient car hire at Keflavík International Airport, so you can start your puffin adventure right after you land.

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Final Thoughts

Spotting puffins in Iceland is one of the most memorable experiences you can have on a road trip. From dramatic cliffs to remote peninsulas, these charming seabirds are the perfect companions for a summer self-drive journey.

At Höldur, we are proud to be Iceland’s largest car rental operator, offering a fleet of over 8,000 vehicles and a network of rental outlets across the country. As Iceland’s official Europcar franchisee, we provide our customers with reliable, professional service you can trust.

By hiring a car with Höldur – whether from Reykjavík or Keflavík International Airport – you’ll enjoy the flexibility, comfort, and expertise needed to explore Iceland’s puffin hotspots at your own pace. Combine puffin watching with Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes, and you’ll have an adventure you’ll never forget.

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